Our feet on the sugar scale – and diabetic shoes?

Diabetes is a condition where the basic defect is an absence or shortage of the pancreatic hormone insulin. The deficiency of insulin disrupts the vascular system,affecting the eyes, kidneys, legs, hands and the feet. Diabetic foot problems arise from poor circulation that causes hyposensitivity and neuropathy.

People who come to Happy Feet Pedorthics talk about tingling, numbness, sore, cold feet and that they cannot feel their feet on the ground!

Clinical studies have shown that footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic foot care.

At Happy Feet Pedorthics we have Drew footwear. The Drew range of shoes has:

removable insoles that can be replaced with orthotics, which can help reduce and redistribute pressure and pressure points

a wide shank area to better accommodate the diabetic foot

soft, tumbled leathers and shoes that are lined with deerskin or other soft, seamless materials that reduce irritation

Many people with a diagnosis of diabetes come to Happy Feet Pedorthics looking for a “diabetic shoe.” The medical management of the diabetes can range from:

a healthy lifestyle of a good eating plan and exercise

…… and tablets

………………… and insulin injections

………………………… and ulcer management

………………………………………… and amputation

……………………………………………………… and further amputation prevention!

So where does the diabetic shoe fit here? Where does the orthosis fit here? Where does the person with their allied health team fit here? What of other the foot facts for the person – along with the diabetes? Like:

bunions which require a wide and deep toe box to accommodate the affected joint

heel pain – especially when standing which is helped by depth footwear catering for cushioned insert

pes planus feet which need more comfort and support at the arch – be it a rigid or flexible foot

plantar fasciitis which is the pain in the arch often well managed with custom orthotics

hammer toes requiring depth in the shoes for the toes and metatarsal lifts to ease the pain

ankle valgus – the ankle roll in which can benefit from wedges or flares to reduce pain in the lower legs and ankles

inserts calluses – which are often lessened and at times disappear with accommodative

pes cavus – requiring a longer medial counter which gives support and stability

ankle varus – the ankle roll out which can benefit from wedges or flares to reduce pain in the lower legs and ankles